Review Detail

Dustin Grubbs knows exactly what he wants out of life. His long term goal is to be an actor and not just any old actor, but a star. But right now hes in the sixth grade in tiny Buttermilk Falls. Therere limited options for a starring role in a small town, but Dustin will make do with the schools play The Castle of the Crooked Crowns, which hes helping direct and starring in (if they can avoid any more catastrophes and collapsing sets).

Then a real star moves to town: Jeremy Jason Wilder, the child star of a television show called Double Take. Dustins not sure what to do he tries to be friends with Jeremy, but soon discovers that just because someones famous doesnt make them nice (and in Jeremys case, its made him a real pill). After that, its war, especially after Jeremys after the starring role in the play!

This is a fun and fast read for readers aged 8 and up. Youll definitely be rooting for Dustin all the way and when Jeremy finally receives his comeuppance (in a bathroom, no less!), youll be cheering. Other sub-plots make the book even more worthwhile; Dustins relationship with his long-lost father, the value of real friends, etc. A follow-up novel chronicling Dustins next adventures is due out in Fall 2006, so keep an eye open for that.